BUFFALO – Governor Andrew Cuomo is urging New Yorkers to prepare for potentially hazardous weather conditions forecasted for most of upstate New York – including Chautauqua County.

While most of the state is expected to see moderate snowfall, lake effect systems are expected to bring up to one foot of snow or more to portions of Western New York and the North Country. Area motorists are advised that they should travel with caution over the next 36 hours as driving conditions may grow difficult due to snow covered roads and limited visibility.

The National Weather Service in Buffalo issued a Winter Storm Warning for the counties of Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Southern Erie and Wyoming, running from late last night through Thursday afternoon.

Heavy lake effect snow is possible with total snow accumulations of six to 12 inches possible for Jamestown, with even more amounts expected along the Chautauqua Ridge.

Winds could gust as high as 40 mph, causing blowing snow and significantly reduced visibility. Hazardous travel conditions will likely impact the morning and evening commute on Thursday.